Woodchuck unveils new Vermont cidery site

Construction work underway at the site of the future Vermont Hard Cider’s Woodchuck cidery on Exchange Street in Middlebury May 9.

Officials of Woodchuck Hard Cider—a brand of hard apple cider made by Vermont Hard Cider Company, LLC—gave members of the news media an overview of its new, $30 million, 62,000 square-foot Middlebury cidery May 10.

Reporters were on hand at the construction site to hear details about the project and its impact on both the cider company and the local community.

The multi-acre construction site is adjacent to the Bridge School, near the intersection of Exchange Street and U.S. Route 7.

Woodchuck President and CEO Bret Williams, as well as Middlebury Town Manager Kathleen Ramsay were keynote speakers along with related company, town and other officials.

The VIPs in attendance were upbeat about the project and its positive, long-range impact on the economy of Addison County and beyond.

Williams unveiled scale design drawings of the facility which will be completed next spring. The Eagle will publish the plans in an upcoming print issue.

Woodchuck started in 1990 in a Proctosville winery and later moved operations to Springfield. It produced a variety of apple wines and ciders, according to spokesman Nate Formalarie, before it relocated to Middlebury to focus on award-winning hard ciders. The company’s first cider product was called Vermont Old-Fashioned Hard Cider and was a popular hit in the "early days" of the hard cider beverage market.

According to industry reports, the Woodchuck brand is the premier hard cider in the U.S. Vermont Hard Cider owns nearly 47 percent of the American hard cider market—and it's growing.

Last year, Woodchuck Hard Cider was purchased by Ireland and U.K. based manufacturer C & C Group for $305 million.

SIDEBAR:

Woodchuck FAQs:

Q. What does the phrase “Marmota Monax Monax” on the Woodchuck cider bottle label mean?

A. This is the official scientific name for a woodchuck. The woodchuck is called a “Marmota Monax Monax” because it’s a “Monax” in the genus “Marmota.”

Q. Are Woodchuck Hard Ciders gluten free?

A. Woodchuck Hard Cider styles are naturally gluten free.

Q. Are any new styles or flavors coming in the future?

A. The company is always dreaming up new kinds of Woodchuck ciders. Only the best recipes make the cut. If you have any suggestions please e-mail the company at nformalarie@vthardcider.com.